Obama to Appoint Salazar, a Hunter, as Secretary of Interior

Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO).
Photo by Spencer Platt / Getty Images.

President-elect Barack Obama is expected to appoint Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), a hunter, as Secretary of the Interior. Salazar is not only a hunter, but is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, "whose sole purpose to preserve and strengthen the rights of hunters and fishermen."

Despite campaigns by animal activists for an animal-friendly Secretary of the Interior, this appointment is no surprise. Back in September, Obama told a hunting magazine that he was inclined to appoint a hunter to this position, which is important for animals because the Department of the Interior oversees National Wildlife Refuges. Hunters have been campaigning for more access to National Wildlife Refuges for many years.

According to the Humane Society Legislative Fund:

[Salazar] has been hostile to a wide range of animal protection policies, including efforts to halt the trophy hunting of polar bears and to protect wild horses from slaughter. Salazar was even aligned with former Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo in an attempt to weaken the Endangered Species Act.

Although Salazar has taken a stand against reckless energy policies that endanger the environment, his appointment could be lethal for many animals.

Links:

• Where do Obama, McCain, Palin and Biden Stand on Animal Rights Issues?
  
• What did Obama Tell a Hunting Magazine?
  
• Salazar New Secretary of Interior
  
• What is the President's Cabinet, and Who Will Be in Obama's Cabinet?